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Shan Q, Yu W, Xu Q, Liu R, Ying S, Dong J, Bao Y, Lyu Q, Shi C, Xia J, Tang J, Kuang H, Wang K, Tian G, Cao G. Detoxification and underlying mechanisms towards toxic alkaloids by Traditional Chinese Medicine processing: A comprehensive review. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 129:155623. [PMID: 38703661 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alkaloids have attracted enduring interest worldwide due to their remarkable therapeutic effects, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties, thus offering a rich source for lead compound design and new drug discovery. However, some of these alkaloids possess intrinsic toxicity. Processing (Paozhi) is a pre-treatment step before the application of herbal medicines in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinics, which has been employed for centuries to mitigate the toxicity of alkaloid-rich TCMs. PURPOSE To explore the toxicity phenotypes, chemical basis, mode of action, detoxification processing methods, and underlying mechanisms, we can gain crucial insights into the safe and rational use of these toxic alkaloid-rich herbs. Such insights have the great potential to offer new strategies for drug discovery and development, ultimately improving the quality of life for millions of people. METHODS Literatures published or early accessed until December 31, 2023, were retrieved from databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI. The following keywords, such as "toxicity", "alkaloid", "detoxification", "processing", "traditional Chinese medicine", "medicinal plant", and "plant", were used in combination or separately for screening. RESULTS Toxicity of alkaloids in TCM includes hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and other forms of toxicity, primarily induced by pyrrolizidines, quinolizidines, isoquinolines, indoles, pyridines, terpenoids, and amines. Factors such as whether the toxic-alkaloid enriched part is limited or heat-sensitive, and whether toxic alkaloids are also therapeutic components, are critical for choosing appropriate detoxification processing methods. Mechanisms of alkaloid detoxification includes physical removal, chemical decomposition or transformation, as well as biological modifications. CONCLUSION Through this exploration, we review toxic alkaloids and the mechanisms underlying their toxicity, discuss methods to reduce toxicity, and unravel the intricate mechanisms behind detoxification. These offers insights into the quality control of herbs containing toxic alkaloids, safe and rational use of alkaloid-rich TCMs in clinics, new strategies for drug discovery and development, and ultimately helping improve the quality of life for millions of people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyuan Shan
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Wei Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; Clinical Research Unit, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Qiongfang Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Ruina Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Shuye Ying
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jie Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yini Bao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Qiang Lyu
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Changcheng Shi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junjie Xia
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jing Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Haodan Kuang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Kuilong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Gang Tian
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Gang Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
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Yang N, Guo J, Zhang J, Gao S, Xiang Q, Wen J, Huang Y, Rao C, Chen Y. A toxicological review of alkaloids. Drug Chem Toxicol 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38465444 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2024.2326051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Alkaloids are naturally occurring compounds with complex structures found in natural plants. To further improve the understanding of plant alkaloids, this review focuses on the classification, toxicity and mechanisms of action, providing insight into the occurrence of alkaloid-poisoning events and guiding the safe use of alkaloids in food, supplements and clinical applications. Based on their chemical structure, alkaloids can be divided into organic amines, diterpenoids, pyridines, isoquinolines, indoles, pyrrolidines, steroids, imidazoles and purines. The mechanisms of toxicity of alkaloids, including neurotoxicity, hepatoxicity, nephrotoxicity, cardiotoxicity and cytotoxicity, have also been reviewed. Some cases of alkaloid poisoning have been introduced when used as food or clinically, including accidental food poisoning, excessive consumption, and poisoning caused by the improper use of alkaloids in a clinical setting, and the importance of safety evaluation was illustrated. This review summarizes the toxicity and mechanism of action of alkaloids and provides evidence for the need for the safe use of alkaloids in food, supplements and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Yang
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiafu Guo
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Song Gao
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiwen Xiang
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiayu Wen
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Huang
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chaolong Rao
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- R&D Center for Efficiency, Safety and Application in Chinese Materia Medica with Medical and Edible Values, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Chen
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Li Z, Zhang M, Haenen GRMM, Vervoort L, Moalin M. Flavonoids Seen through the Energy Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:187. [PMID: 35008613 PMCID: PMC8745170 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In all life forms, opposing forces provide the energy that flows through networks in an organism, which fuels life. In this concept, health is the ability of an organism to maintain the balance between these opposing forces, which creates resilience, and a deranged flow of energy is the basis for diseases. Treatment should focus on adjusting the deranged flow of energy, e.g., by the redox modulating activity of antioxidants. A major group of antioxidants is formed by flavonoids, a group of polyphenolic compounds abundantly present in our diet. The objective here is to review how the redox modulation by flavonoids fits in the various concepts on the mode of action of bioactive compounds, so we can 'see' where there is overlap and where the missing links are. Based on this fundament, we should choose our research path aiming to 'understand' the redox modulating profile of specific flavonoids, so we can ultimately rationally apply the redox modulating power of flavonoids to improve our health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengwen Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; (Z.L.); (L.V.); (M.M.)
| | - Ming Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Guido R. M. M. Haenen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; (Z.L.); (L.V.); (M.M.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lily Vervoort
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; (Z.L.); (L.V.); (M.M.)
| | - Mohamed Moalin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; (Z.L.); (L.V.); (M.M.)
- Research Centre Material Sciences, Zuyd University of Applied Science, 6400 AN Heerlen, The Netherlands
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New Therapeutic Insight into the Effect of Ma Huang Tang on Blood Pressure and Renal Dysfunction in the L-NAME-Induced Hypertension. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:9980429. [PMID: 34335852 PMCID: PMC8294972 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9980429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the effect of a traditional herbal formula, Ma Huang Tang (MHT), on blood pressure and vasodilation in a rat model of NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methylester- (L-NAME-) induced hypertension. We found that MHT-induced vascular relaxation in a dose-dependent manner in rat aortas pretreated with phenylephrine. However, pretreatment of endothelium-intact aortic rings with L‐NAME, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis (NOS), or 1H‐[1, 2, 4]‐oxadiazole‐[4, 3‐α]‐quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ), an inhibitor of soluble guanylyl cyclase, significantly abolished vascular relaxation induced by MHT. MHT also increased the production of guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) in the aortic rings pretreated with L-NAME or ODQ. To examine the in vivo effects of MHT, Sprague Dawley rats were treated with 40 mg/kg/day L-NAME for 3 weeks, followed by administration of 50 or 100 mg/kg/day MHT for 2 weeks. MHT was found to significantly normalize systolic blood pressure and decreased intima-media thickness in aortic sections of rats treated with L-NAME compared to that of rats treated with L-NAME alone. MHT also restored the L-NAME-induced decrease in vasorelaxation response to acetylcholine and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) expression. Furthermore, MHT promoted the recovery of renal function, as indicated by osmolality, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, and creatinine clearance. These results suggest that MHT-induced relaxation in the thoracic aorta is associated with activation of the nitric oxide/cGMP pathway. Furthermore, it provides new therapeutic insights into the regulation of blood pressure and renal function in hypertensive patients.
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de Sousa LN, Sant'ana DSP, Siqueira dos Santos RG, dos Santos Ribeiro AEA, da Costa CF, de Oliveira AP, Almeida JRGDS, Jucá DM, da Silva MTB, dos Santos AA, Palheta Junior RC. Involvement of serotonergic pathways in gastric dysmotility induced by fat burning nutritional supplements in mice. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2021; 2:100018. [PMID: 34909653 PMCID: PMC8663933 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2021.100018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fat burners are a category of nutritional supplements that are claimed to increase the metabolism and promote greater energy expenditure, leading to weight loss. However, little is known about the side effects on gastrointestinal motility. In this study, we evaluated the effect of ingestion with a fat burner named Thermbuterol® (THERM) on the gastric motility and food behavior of mice. THERM compounds were identified using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Mice received variable doses of THERM (10, 50, 100 or 300 mg/kg, p.o.) or NaCl 0.15 M (control). Gastric emptying (GE) was assessed using the phenol red technique. Another set of mice was pretreated with intraperitoneal administration of hexamethonium (HEXA, 10 mg/kg), prazosin (PRAZ, 0.25 mg/kg), propranolol (PROP, 2 mg/kg), parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA, 300 mg/kg) or ondansetron (ONDA, 50 μg/kg) 30 min before THERM treatment for evaluation of GE. We assessed the gastrointestinal responsiveness in vitro as well as THERM's effects on food behavior. Caffeine was the major compound of THERM, identified by NMR. THERM 100 and 300 mg/kg decreased GE compared to the respective controls. Pretreatment with PRAZ or PROP did not prevent gastric dysmotility induced by THERM 100 mg/kg. However, the pretreatment with HEXA, ONDA or PCPA prevented GE delay induced by THERM. In vitro, THERM relaxed contractions in strips of longitudinal gastric fundus and duodenum. THERM also increased food intake, which was prevented by PCPA and ONDA treatments. THERM decreased GE of a liquid and increased food intake in mice, a phenomenon mediated by the autonomic nicotinic receptors and serotoninergic receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Camila F. da Costa
- Federal University of São Francisco Valley, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | | | - Davi M. Jucá
- Belo Horizonte University Center, Cristiano Machado Campus. Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Moisés Tolentino Bento da Silva
- Laboratory of Exercise and Gastrointestinal Tract – Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | - Armênio A. dos Santos
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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Zhang M, Moalin M, Haenen GRMM. Connecting West and East. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20092333. [PMID: 31083489 PMCID: PMC6540579 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite their similarities, Western medicine and Eastern medicine are very different because they are built on different fundamentals. The general idea has arisen that we will benefit by connecting Western and Eastern medicine. First, both the merits as well as the limitations of both types of medicine are discussed. It was concluded that to create a bridge, we should focus on similarities that inspire the further unravelling of the molecular mechanism of the mode of action and toxicity of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is suggested that the energy perspective provides a basis to integrate Eastern and Western medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Mohamed Moalin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Zuyd University of Applied Science, 6200 AN Heerlen, The Netherlands.
| | - Guido R M M Haenen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Zhang M, Moalin M, Vervoort L, Li ZW, Wu WB, Haenen G. Connecting Western and Eastern Medicine from an Energy Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E1512. [PMID: 30917563 PMCID: PMC6470590 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Western medicine and Eastern medicine are worlds apart, there is a striking overlap in the basic principle of these types of medicine when we look at them from the perspective of energy. In both worlds, opposing forces provide the energy that flows through networks in an organism, which fuels life. In this concept, health is the ability of an organism to maintain the balance between these opposing forces, i.e., homeostasis (West) and harmony (East), which creates resilience. Moreover, strategies used to treat diseases are strikingly alike, namely adjusting the flow of energy by changing the connections in the network. The energy perspective provides a basis to integrate Eastern and Western medicine, and opens new directions for research to get the best of both worlds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Mohamed Moalin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Research Centre Material Sciences, Zuyd University of Applied Science, 6400 AN Heerlen, The Netherlands.
| | - Lily Vervoort
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Zheng Wen Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Wen Bo Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Guido Haenen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Ge Y, Sun M, Salomé-Abarca LF, Wang M, Choi YH. Investigation of species and environmental effects on rhubarb roots metabolome using 1H NMR combined with high performance thin layer chromatography. Metabolomics 2018; 14:137. [PMID: 30830440 PMCID: PMC6208752 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-018-1421-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The pharmacological activities of medicinal plants are reported to be due to a wide range of metabolites, therein, the concentrations of which are greatly affected by many genetic and/or environmental factors. In this context, a metabolomics approach has been applied to reveal these relationships. The investigation of such complex networks that involve the correlation between multiple biotic and abiotic factors and the metabolome, requires the input of information acquired by more than one analytical platform. Thus, development of new metabolomics techniques or hyphenations is continuously needed. OBJECTIVES Feasibility of high performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) were investigated as a supplementary tool for medicinal plants metabolomics supporting 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. METHOD The overall metabolic difference of plant material collected from two species (Rheum palmatum and Rheum tanguticum) in different geographical locations and altitudes were analyzed by 1H NMR- and HPTLC-based metabolic profiling. Both NMR and HPTLC data were submitted to multivariate data analysis including principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least square analysis. RESULTS The NMR and HPTLC profiles showed that while chemical variations of rhubarb are in some degree affected by all the factors tested in this study, the most influential factor was altitude of growth. The metabolites responsible for altitude differentiation were chrysophanol, emodin and sennoside A, whereas aloe emodin, catechin, and rhein were the key species-specific markers. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated the potential of HTPLC as a supporting tool for metabolomics due to its high profiling capacity of targeted metabolic groups and preparative capability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Ge
- Natural Products Laboratory, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
- School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Mengmeng Sun
- LU-European Center for Chinese Medicine, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1035, Boshuo Rd, Jingyue Economic Development District, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Luis F Salomé-Abarca
- Natural Products Laboratory, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mei Wang
- LU-European Center for Chinese Medicine, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- SU Biomedicine, Postbus 546, 2300 AM, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Young Hae Choi
- Natural Products Laboratory, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
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